Suburban Water Heater Aluminum Anode Rod 233516

The Suburban 233516 Aluminum Anode Rod is an OEM replacement sacrificial anode designed to protect the steel tank inside Suburban RV water heaters from corrosion. As the water heater is exposed to minerals and electrolytic activity in the water supply, the aluminum anode is designed to corrode instead of the tank itself, helping extend the service life of the water heater.

Suburban 233516 features an aluminum sacrificial anode with a stainless-steel core, a 9-inch length, and a 3/4-inch pipe thread. The anode rod installs in the water heater's drain opening and also serves as the drain plug.

Fits Suburban RV Water Heaters

Suburban lists the 233516 aluminum anode rod for all Suburban tank-style water heaters and direct-fit tank water heaters, including common models in the:

• SW4 Series

• SW6 Series

• SW10 Series

• SW12 Series

• SW16 Series

• SAW Series

• Direct-Fit Suburban tank water heater families

This includes applicable D, DE, DEL, DEM and related tank-style configurations.

Not for Suburban ST42, ST60, IW60 or other tankless water heaters.

Aluminum vs. Magnesium Suburban Anode Rod

Suburban offers two OEM anode rod choices:

• 233516 – Aluminum Anode Rod

• 233514 – Magnesium Anode Rod

The 233516 aluminum version is a durable option particularly well suited to water conditions that cause rapid anode consumption. Both versions are designed to provide sacrificial corrosion protection for the water heater tank.

Signs Your Anode Rod Should Be Replaced

Inspect the anode rod periodically and replace it when it has become significantly deteriorated. Common signs include:

• Heavy erosion or pitting

• Large portions of the aluminum material are missing

• Stainless-steel core is becoming exposed

• Anode rod has become very thin

• Heavy mineral buildup or corrosion

• Existing drain plug/anode is damaged or difficult to reinstall

An anode rod is designed to deteriorate over time. A heavily worn rod generally means it has been doing its job protecting the tank.

Installation

Estimated Installation Time: 10–20 minutes

Tools Typically Needed

• 1-1/16" socket and ratchet

• PTFE thread tape or approved thread sealant

• Water heater flushing wand, optional

Turn off the LP gas and electric heating sources and allow the water to cool before servicing. Relieve pressure from the plumbing system before removing the existing anode rod. Removing the anode will drain the water heater tank.

Apply appropriate thread sealant to the replacement anode threads and reinstall without overtightening.

Product Specifications

Manufacturer: Suburban / Airxcel
Part Number: 233516
Part Type: Sacrificial Water Heater Anode Rod
Material: Aluminum
Core: Stainless Steel
Length: 9 Inches
Thread Size: 3/4-Inch Pipe Thread
Application: Suburban Tank-Style RV Water Heaters
Quantity: 1

Why Replace Your Suburban Anode Rod?

Suburban tank water heaters use a porcelain-lined steel tank. The sacrificial anode is an important part of the tank's corrosion-protection system. Regular inspection and replacement of the anode rod can help protect the tank from premature corrosion and potentially extend the life of the water heater.

The Suburban 233516 Aluminum Anode Rod is the genuine OEM aluminum replacement for RV owners who want to maintain the corrosion protection originally designed into their Suburban tank water heater.